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Posted on: March 6, 2019

County Issues Notice of Violation for Tree Removal at Golf Course

Loudoun County has issued a Notice of Violation of the county’s zoning ordinance to the Trump National Golf Course located at 20391 Lowes Island Boulevard in Sterling following the improper removal of trees from a floodplain without a permit.

General Prohibition, Section: 1-103(C): Inspectors observed approximately 31,000 square feet of land had been altered within the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), commonly called the “major floodplain.” Any man-made change to real estate in the major floodplain without first obtaining the required county approvals is a violation.

Floodplain Alterations, Section: 4-1508(B): Inspectors observed development on the property, as defined in Section 4-1503(G), that includes the cutting/removal and clearing of trees located within the major floodplain resulting in an alteration to the characteristics of the major floodplain. This development, without first obtaining the required county approval of a “Declaration of No Impact to Floodplain” or “Floodplain Alteration,” is a violation.

Zoning Permit Required, Section: 4-1508(C): Alteration of the major floodplain that resulted from the cutting/removal and clearing of trees without first obtaining the required zoning permit approval is a violation.

When Loudoun County issues a zoning violation notice, it includes specific measures the property owner must take to correct the situation. In accordance with Section 6-502 of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, the county notified Trump National Golf Course of correction actions that include:

Discontinuing all development activities within the major floodplain on the property until all required approvals from the county are obtained; and submitting all required applications for review and approval by the county for the development that has occurred on the property within the major floodplain.

Obtaining the approval of, and being in compliance with, a floodplain alteration (FPAL) application. Each development/alteration within the major floodplain requires the approval of a FPAL application in accordance with Section 4-1508(B) of the ordinance.

Obtaining the approval of, and being in compliance with, a zoning permit application. Each development/alteration within the major floodplain requires the approval of a zoning permit application in accordance with Section 4-1508(C) of the ordinance.

The county’s ordinance regarding the major floodplain is in place to protect property and public safety. Alterations to land in the major floodplain may impact the property on which the alterations occur as well as other properties located nearby or downstream. The required permits for alteration in the major floodplain include a review of plans prior to any changes in the major floodplain to ensure they do not have adverse effects.

The property owner has the option to appeal the county’s Notice of Violation to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days, during which time any enforcement actions are put on hold pending the outcome of the appeal.

If the corrective actions are not taken, an initial fine of $200.00 for each offense will be issued. Loudoun County will continue to inspect the property in 10-day increments. Fines in the amount of $500 for each subsequent offense may be issued every 10 days if the county determines that a violation still exists after the appeal date has expired.

More information about the administration and enforcement of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance is online at www.loudoun.gov/zoning.